Cade Cunningham is in his 4th season in the NBA, and it is looking like it will be his best. The former 1st overall pick has been on a tear so far this season, putting himself in rare company.

As a rookie, Cade had a solid season coming just short of winning the Rookie Of The Year award. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals that season. He did that while shooting 41.6% from the field and 31.4% from long range. So far this season, Cade is averaging 23.5 points, ranking 22nd overall, 7.2 rebounds, ranking 7th among non-bigs, and 9.0 assists, ranking 4th in the NBA – all of which are career highs for him. He is one of only 2 players currently averaging 23+PPG, 7+RPG, and 9+APG this season, joining reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. As you can see, Cade is doing everything better this season, including his shooting efficiency. He is shooting 44.3% from the field, just a tick behind his career high of 44.9% set last season. He’s also shooting a career high 37.5% from beyond the arc. He did miss some games due to a pelvic injury he suffered vs the Charlotte Hornets. Luckily, he has only missed 4 games. But after returning against the Pacers he was held out against the 76ers.

Detroit’s newly hired Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff had some kind words for Cunningham this summer. “The sky is the limit for where he’s going to be able to go.” He added, “I think he’s a stud, I don’t think there’s a lot he can’t do on the basketball floor.”

On top of that, Cade has had a career year with triple doubles. He currently has 4 on the season, after only having 2 in his first 3 seasons combined. His best of the season was a 22 point, 11 rebound, 13 assist night in a win vs the Hawks in Atlanta. He shot 47.1% from the field, but only 25% from beyond the arc. He was 7 for 13 on the night inside the 3-point line (53.8%). If he hits a couple more threes, it’s probably one of the better performances in the NBA this season.

Cade has taken a huge step in his play, and so has the team around him. At this time last year, the Pistons were 6-18. Now, they are 9-13, and are looking to try to make the play in tournament at the end of the season. Now, that might not seem like a big upgrade, but Pistons fans can feel the difference. Last year, they were the worst team in the NBA. This year they are showing a lot of growth and potential. They are currently 3-0 in NBA Cup group play, and are leading their group. It would be huge for Pistons players, and fans, if they could make some noise in the NBA Cup.

The real question, however, is will Cade get the necessary help in Detroit to propel them to the playoffs? I think so. Jaden Ivey has also been having a good season, averaging 18.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, and 4.3 RPG, all while shooting 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from three, respectively. Malik Beasley has been a pleasant surprise for Detroit, averaging 15.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 2.0 APG on 43.7/39.9 shooting splits. As of now, the Pistons are sorely missing a legit 2nd option to Cade. Ivey has been good, but he’s more of a 3rd option in my opinion. He’s just not consistent enough. Jalen Duren has been another bright spot, but he is not productive enough offensively to be considered a legit starting center option for this team. He is more of a good backup center who can start at times. I think Cade needs more of a 3&D center to make the offense work. I am personally not a big fan of the Tobias Harris signing either. I don’t hate the signing, but I thought it was an overpay for a guy that really won’t move the needle much, and he hasn’t. He is doing what he was brought here for, a veteran scoring presence, but that’s not worth 26 million dollars per year. He is averaging 13.4 PPG, 7PG, and 2.4 APG on 44/31.1 shooting splits. Which is not bad, but I would expect a little bit more out of that contract. The Pistons really need to make a splash trade or signing, get Cade the help he desperately needs. He needs another consistent ball handler that can thrive in catch and shoot situations. The Pistons are obviously not just one player away from a title, but in my opinion that is the next domino that needs to fall. It is most likely that the season will play out as is, and the Pistons front office will make that move this off-season.

Pistons fans can rejoice knowing their only #1 pick since 1970 seems to be working out. It is now up to the new GM to build this thing the right way. Lets all hope the Pistons make a splash this off-season.